Obituary of Dudley Digges Jr., 1839 April

Obituary of Dudley Digges Jr., 1839 April

1 item ([4] pages) : 20 x 13.5 cm

Obituary for Dudley Digges, Jr. (1765-1839) detailing the circumstances surrounding his recent illness and death.

[Page 1]

Died ^^{on the 4th of April} at Locust Lodge his residence in
County of Louisa, Dudley Digges Jr. Esquire
within two days of his 74th birthday.
To one, who has known him initmately for
28 years, it seems an imperative duty,
to speak to the world of his bright example
in patience and well doing. Though fully
aware that he had a great objection to the
obituaries which are often seen in the news
papers, which describe the departed, as a
creature of sinless perfection; I make no kind
of reference to the Redeemer of lost mankind.
To say that our highly valued friend was a
"perfect and an upright man" is saying
no more than can be attested by all who
had the pleasure to know him. For "Even
"Even his failings, [illegible] to virtue's side".
If there exists a man of stricter rectitude, or
^one more just and true, the writer of this, knows
him not - he would litterally "suffer himself
to be defrauded" rather than tell the person
so acting that he was unjust -, On one occasion
the writer remembers hearing a friend remonstrate
with him on the impropriety of suffering others to
act unjustly, when he could have prevented it,
when he exclaimed - "how could I tell the
man he told a lie! When I would not tell
a lie for my right hand"! Dear reader, who
[illegible], he gained all this meed and
great sport, all this gentleness and fortesness
[illegible] from the Holy Scriptures - which he
had read from his childhood -, it whose holy
& sweet influences, ruled him strict, long before
he gave up the pleasures of the world, and

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declared himself openly ^as a member of
the Episcopal Church, a Follower of
the meek & Lowly Saviour. he most
surely did good "Tho it were to his own
hinderance". His lot was a peculiar one,
he had much need, of gentleness & forbear
=ance, towards those who returned his
kindness with inthoughtfulness, if not
ingratitude. As a Master, it may truly
be said, that he ever remembered that
he also had "a Master in Heaven"
When forced to rebuke ^{his servants}them, there were few
who were hardened enough to feel unhumbled,
when it was so evident that it vexed him
to be obliged to chide them. From
his door, the poor were never sent empty
away, and none were ever made to feel that
he was "a respecter of persons". During his
last illness, it was gratifying to hear the
expressions of anxiety - especially by
the Coloured people, for he was universally
loved and respected by them. And the regard
of his own servants was plainly shown by their tears
during his illnes, & around his grave.

His illness of 7 weeks, was one of intense &
constant suffering - but such was his patience
& endurance of pain, that none but those who were
always watching him - knew how he suffered.
Yet his wasted form spoke plainly of the pain
he was enduring. In health, but especially
even in sickness, he always tried to avoid
giving unnecessary trouble or fatigue to others.
Confined to his bed for almost two weeks before his
death, not a murmur escaped hi^{s lips}. From
the first he expressed his firm conviction that
he was "going fast" - yet no fear for the future
seemed to mar his peace - calm and quiet
at all times -, when his friends came around
him, he exerted himself to appear better

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and to converse with them and when
unable to speak, would hold out his hand
to them & give ^^them an affectionate embrace.
He thought himself dying 6 days before
the event took palce and said so, at the
same time saying that he was "ready and
willing to go and he released from his
mind [illegible]" the only acknowledgement he
made of his sufferings - he had always asserted
that the year of death was is natural to all men - now
a friend asked him, [illegible] not afraid to die
are you? - he replied, "I can't say that, but I
am ready and willing - ready and willing." -
He ^was also asked if he did not put all his
trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, he answered -
"Oh yes, yes," and then said - "My only prayer is
that of the Publican - God be merciful to me, a
sinner! - I hope to die with that prayer on
my lips"! . Once, when greatly exhausted, he was
asked by a dear friend "do you know me?" he faintly
answered "no." but one close by replied, "But you do
know the Lord Jesus Christ!" - He roused a little & said
somberly "O yes, yes." yes during his severe sufferings a
few hours previous to his decease - he twice
called upon his God & Saviour to have mercy
still no appearance of murmuring or impatience
was seen. Often how he said in health,
that there was nothing for any one to wish to live
for, after they felt assured that their sins were
forgiven; so it appeared with him. Patiently
he endured to the end, "as seeing then who is
invisible" and now "his witness is in Heaven,
and his record is on High." "Mark the
perfect man, and behold the upright; for
the end of that man, is Peace."

[illegible]X his eyes shut for weakness

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Pencil on paper